One of Christianity Today's articles on the anti-poverty strategies determined that the church did a relatively poor job when compared with government. The second article concluded that poverty-related programs from Christian ministries should "start emphasizing prevention over cure."

The flaw in both of these conclusions is that poverty is a direct result of sin and the fall of man.

The word "poverty" paints a picture of hopeless despair. No one enjoys looking at bone-thin bodies with hollow eyes staring back. But these are often the photographs we see displayed when the subject of poverty becomes a news story. This is a portrait of many under-developed countries. I know; I've been there—for 40 years.

Jesus said, "The poor you will always have with you" (Matt. 26:11). No matter how much food we give, how many shelters we provide, how many physicians we deploy or how much medicine we send, ...

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